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Original poster

Help lower back pain

59 replies

Mintygreenleaf · 29/10/2023 08:47

Appealing to the Mumsnet Hive mind! Looking for tips on how to deal with lower back pain and experience of how long it may go on for.

Sure it's a pulled muscle, nothing serious. Had it several years ago but I forget the detail. Fine lying luckily, awful sitting and getting up from sitting, trying ibuprofen, heat pad and gentle movement. Any advice thank you!

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Abelle1 · 22/03/2024 11:31

A while ago, I had this pain that made getting up from sitting feel like a huge challenge. I tried everything from taking ibuprofen to using heat pads and moving around gently, but these only helped a bit and didn't really fix the issue.

That's when I decided to get help from registered physiotherapists. I went to see Kirsten O'Loughlin, and she was awesome. Kirsten helped me not just by working on the pain right then, but she also showed me exercises to make my back stronger and more flexible. Plus, she taught me all about sitting the right way and doing things differently in my day-to-day life so I wouldn't hurt my back again. It wasn't a quick fix, but after sticking with it, I really started to feel better.

peeeter · 21/03/2024 20:49

I tried to do so many things with my back pain and anything works.

All4caring · 16/03/2024 21:32

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Spidey66 · 27/11/2023 06:19

@Oblomov23 that sounds awful....no surgery or physio? Please tell me at the least you've been referred to the Pain Clinic?

If you can afford it, try a chiropractor. It worked wonders for me, though my pain was muscular in origin rather than bones. However they will be able to tell you if they can help. I had 5 sessions @ £37 a session so not too expensive but I don't know your finances. Good luck x

Original poster
Mintygreenleaf · 12/11/2023 11:16

Oh dear Oblomov, that sounds awful.

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Oblomov23 · 11/11/2023 17:08

I have bad pain. MRI showed I've got 4 fractures. I've been dismissed, discharged and told to take paracetamol. What? For the rest of my life? Not happy.

Original poster
Mintygreenleaf · 11/11/2023 16:24

Hopeful bump!

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Original poster
Mintygreenleaf · 11/11/2023 11:41

@JenniferJuniper80 or any pharmacists and medics could ask your advice if you have time please?

I’m improving but drove my mum to an orthopod consultant appointment yesterday (she has a prolapsed disc, and though an injection (root block/epidural) worked years ago recently with an anaesthetist it hasn’t so she’s looking at other options).

The consultant suggested she take branded rather than generic (neurofen) I bought them but didn’t think there was a difference? I’m no expert though.

Also the consultant - though not ruling it out seemed to be tending towards surgery rather than an injection. Mum mulling it over but not keen on that in case of problems leaving her worse. Just occurred to me that it maybe a surgical preference because it’s a surgeon?!

Sorry two questions for the price of one!

Thank you

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Original poster
Mintygreenleaf · 04/11/2023 22:18

Thanks @HedgehogPrincess an acupressure mat sounds intriguing mornings are stiffest!

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HedgehogPrincess · 04/11/2023 17:57

Recommend an acupressure mat e.g. Spoonk mat. Travel size is good. If you find the spikes intimidating at first you can use with thin fabric such as a t-shirt as a buffer. 20 mins takes the pain away and increases flexibility for a while afterwards. Especially useful in the mornings.

Original poster
Mintygreenleaf · 04/11/2023 17:14

@AuntieMarys thanks, sorry to hear you’ve a bad back this week too, hope it’s not too debilitating.

I’m too much of a wuss to try any exercise apart from walking which is helping in between acting as a taxi service (for mum mainly today whose been in hospital recently and needs food/bits and has decided she wants comfortable dining chairs now!

I will try stretching….. tomorrow!

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Original poster
Mintygreenleaf · 04/11/2023 15:16

Thanks @FloofCloud glad it works for you. Definitely happy to pay, just not sure I’m ready just as yet (if you did that early on am prepared to be told I’m wimping out and will buckle up !) I have one booked through the GP on the 20th, will be better by then as I’ve instructed my body it better be!

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FloofCloud · 04/11/2023 15:08

Honestly just pay for a decent physio. I pay £45 per session and I feel bloody amazing ! He also sends me off with gentle exercises

Original poster
Mintygreenleaf · 04/11/2023 15:08

Thank you @JenniferJuniper80 I’m alternating that way but 2 lots of 200mg 3 times of ibuprofen and spaced paracetamol in between feel like there’s a gap in the evening which is the worst time! Not sure if spacing more may help better but had heard it’s better to take regularly to avoid breakthrough? At least it’s near bedtime so am eeking out the diazepam then and hoping it resolves before they’re used up, felt grateful to be given some once!

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JenniferJuniper80 · 04/11/2023 14:46

Alternate heat pads/hot water bottles with cold packs.
Everything else you're doing correctly.

You can take ibuprofen and paracetamol, either both at same time or 2 hours between doses . So paracetamol at 10. Ibuprofen at noon paracetamol at 2. Follow instructions on package.

Pharmacist here. Always happy to assist.

Original poster
Mintygreenleaf · 04/11/2023 14:37

Thanks @Newestname002 hope it’s easing your pain if you’re suffering now. Not something I know anything about at all. As well as allowing movement I guess it’s probably better than painkillers long term too - not yet!

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Original poster
Mintygreenleaf · 04/11/2023 14:29

@Spidey66 four weeks from a cough I commiserate! I dread getting a cough. Mine is varying too, some days better and I’m sure it’s my back trying to lull me into a false sense of security!

Your experience with the chiropractor sounds awful, was there any explanation or did you just leave them and run (or hobble 🤣)not sure I could do that.
I find heat really good too, permanently have those charcoal activated heat pads on in the day.

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Spidey66 · 04/11/2023 11:40

Another one! I've been suffering for almost 4 weeks now, with varying stages of pain.

Ive found heat the most useful, it does really help.

Ive started seeing a chiropractor. The fist session was a miracle and I came out almost cured. However the second session didn't go well, and I came out in severe pain with spasms and practically crying. I was actually sick outside the clinic. 😥

It started with a kiss cough, believe it or not. A tickly cough.

Newestname002 · 04/11/2023 11:32

Try a TENS machine. Stick the tabs as directed near the painful area and follow the simple instructions on the programme. It's like having a massage under your skin. The intensity goes from mild to quite strong - and you can go about your business whilst you use the machine. 🌹

Original poster
Mintygreenleaf · 04/11/2023 10:35

Thank you @ilovesooty and a bit concerning it flared up after the original physio! I did phone to fix that up.Could be a coincidence of course.

I’ve tended to keep away from GPs if I can, not that I don’t value them at all just - I don’t know really, a mixture of not wanting to make a fuss/wanting it to heal on its on which is probably crazy as it could reoccur. Can you tell I’m overthinking?!

I’m glad the dance specialist physio is helping aided by the scan and if I may say well done keeping up on the exercises!

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ilovesooty · 04/11/2023 10:17

Mintygreenleaf · 04/11/2023 10:12

Thanks @ilovesooty did you get your referral straight away? I was more concerned with getting pain relief straight away. Bit worried now it’s on the mend I missed my chance!

I got a referral after I'd been sent to physio and it flared up again so badly I could hardly move. I've got health insurance so as soon as the letter was written I used that. The NHS appointment came through in about 3 months for an initial assessment so I'd say get a referral ASAP - sadly it will probably flare up again.

Original poster
Mintygreenleaf · 04/11/2023 10:12

Thanks @ilovesooty did you get your referral straight away? I was more concerned with getting pain relief straight away. Bit worried now it’s on the mend I missed my chance!

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ilovesooty · 04/11/2023 10:06

@Mintygreenleaf I'd push for that referral and don't let the doctor kick it down the road.

AuntieMarys · 04/11/2023 09:54

I've had a bad back this week...I've been doing stretching for 30 minutes a day and it's helped.

Original poster
Mintygreenleaf · 04/11/2023 09:35

Thank you @bimbodoc ha ha, great mental picture of the climbing frame comment! Seriously I could see how that would stretch things out in the spine. Later in my recovery maybe I could scare everyone at the local park!

I’m finding alternating movements good, hopeless at standing chores, my back really doesn’t like standing for some reason, not sure why?! Some delegation in order. Am back to full time work next week and not looking forward to the sitting one bit 😵‍💫

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